Fujifilm XF Lens Roadmap Updates
Fujifilm XF Lens Previews
Updated, 2021
2020 Updates to the Fujifilm XF Lens Roadmap
Prior to this date, I have not done previews on this site as I prefer to have hands-on experience before sharing my opinion. But it’s time to shake things up as newly announced lenses and additions to the Fujifilm XF-lens roadmap lenses give plenty of reasons to share a few thoughts.
First up, the new XF 50mm f/1 R WR, was announced on September 3rd, 2020. Next is the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR which was announced on October 15, 2020. On this same date, Fujifilm also added the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR and XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR to the XF lens roadmap.
The XF 27mm f/2.8 Mark R WR was not added to the lens roadmap at this point but is rumored to be announced within the next six months.
It’s all words and no photos (except press photos) today but hang in there if you are excited about these new lenses.
Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR
Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR
The XF 50mm f/1 R WR has been in the works for quite some time but a 50mm lens was never what Fuji set out to produce in the first place. Instead, an XF 33mm f/1 lens was on the drawing board.
The prototypes of this lens were heavy and bulky beyond reason and the plans were ditched for a lighter and more compact XF 50mm f/1 lens. Here are a few key specs of the XF 50mm f/1 R WR.
12 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspherical lens and 2 ED lenses)
Minimum shooting distance 0.7m
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Filter diameter 77mm
Weight 29.8 oz / 845 g
When a new Fujifilm lens has been announced a tradition of mine is to check the review from Jonas Rask. I have corresponded with Jonas since before Fuji days and we’ve met on a couple of occasions in Denmark and at Photokina, Germany. I always enjoy his candid no-nonsense take on photography gear.
Some of my thoughts on the XF 50mm f/1 prior to reading any reviews are as follows:
The XF 50mm f/1 R WR will be big and heavy on my X-Pro2, no doubt. With a filter diameter of 77mm and a weight of 29.8 oz, 845 g, it will be bulkier than my XF 90mm f/2 LM WR which comes in at 19 oz / 540 g and a filter size of 62mm.
The weight balance compared to a longer telephoto lens, however, will be closer to the camera body which makes me wonder how bad/heavy it will feel. The XF 50mm f/1 R WR should be easier to maneuver on cameras such as the X-T4, X-T3, and X-H1, with larger grips.
For the past five years, I have solely relied on an XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR as my telephoto option from Fujifilm. In the past, one of my absolute favorite lenses was the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II. The XF 50mm f/1 R WR should be somewhat close to this lens in look and performance and probably have faster autofocus.
With the 1.5x crop factor, the full-frame focal length equivalent will be 75mm. Photos should look less compressed at the native focal length of 50mm compared to 85mm for the Canon lens.
XF 50mm f/1 R WR vs. XF 50mm f/2 R WR
Look out for comparison reviews of the current XF 50mm f/2 R WR, $449.00, and the new XF 50mm f/1 R WR, at $1,499.00. The price difference of $1,000+ is significant and the weight difference is a staggering 7 oz, 200 g, vs. 29.8 oz, 845 g, for the f/1 version.
The XF 50mm f/2 R WR will be a value winner and will suffice for the majority of Fujifilm photographers. But if you are a fan of narrow depth of field and looking for something special, the XF 50mm f/1 R WR will most likely give us that. And don’t forget it will be two full stops faster.
XF 50mm f/1 R WR vs. XF 56mm f/1.2 R
The XF 56mm f/1/2 R ($999.00) and XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD (1,499.00) at 14.3 oz, 405 g, are two other options in this segment.
I predict the XF 56mm f/1.2 APD to be a hard sell after the XF 50mm f/1 R WR release unless the pricing is reduced. The non-APD version will still play an important part in the line up especially if you can find a used copy.
Note the XF 50mm f/1 R WR will carry the WR badge, weather-resistant, and should be better suited for shooting in detrimental conditions.
Autofocus speed could also become a deciding factor when choosing your favorite. The XF 50mm f/1 R WR is predicted to be the faster option.
I am looking forward to seeing comparisons between the XF 50mm f/1 R WR and the upcoming GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR scheduled to arrive in 2020 for the GFX medium format system. I know these lenses fit different platforms, GFX vs. X-Series but in my book, they would fall into the “same look” category.
Update:
I have now reviewed the XF 50mm f/1 R WR. Follow the link here to the review:
The new Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR. Notice the added aperture ring and WR addition meaning the lens is now weather-resistant
Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR
The appeal to me with the X-Series has been the prime lenses and I have almost exclusively shot primes since I started using an X-Pro1 back in 2012.
I connect zoom lenses with larger SLRs and heavier lenses in general. I am not against zooms. They have their place and for more than ten years I used them with my Canon cameras.
Especially the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L and EF 16-35mm f/4L IS would be comparable to the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4, full-frame equivalent to a 15-36mm lens. My choices of wide-angle lenses have been the XF 14mm f/2.8 R and XF 23mm f/1.4 R.
Fujifilm announced the new XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR on October 15th, 2020 and notable changes are the addition of an aperture ring and the lens is now weather-resistant.
I have now had a chance to review the XF 10-24mm and you can find my review here:
The newly announced Fujifilm X-S10 with a sketched XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR. I will be reviewing the X-S10 in the near future. Photo source: Fujirumors
Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR
Added to the Fujifilm XF lens roadmap on October 15th I think many, including myself, were surprised to see a new XF 18mm announced as an f/1.4 lens. I will have to say I am positively surprised and admit I cannot wait to try this XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR. The Fujifilm X-S10 was announced on the same day and I will be reviewing it in the near future.
When I tested the XF 18mm f/2 R last year I really enjoyed the focal length but felt the lens lacked something in regards to image quality. Predicted to be released in 2021 the new Fuji XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR should be better in many ways but it will be at a higher cost and added weight/bulk.
I have now had a chance to review the XF 18mm f/1.4 here:
The new XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, seen here on the X-E4 released in January 2021.
XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR
I have tried the XF 27mm f/2.8 on a couple of occasions while in Hong Kong. A friend of mine has one and quite enjoys it. The pancake design makes it the stealthiest option in the X-series and from that standpoint, it should be appealing.
I have the XF 23mm and XF 35mm lenses and just haven’t found a need to try this focal length. If by some measure Fuji creates an optical gem and perhaps adds an aperture ring and weather sealing, this lens may spark my interest. But will Fuji add an aperture ring at the cost of a bigger size for this lens?
Update:
The XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR was released in January of 2021 along with a new X-E4 pictured above.
For my take on the X-E4 and XF 27mm:
Fujifilm X-E4 - Review
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR - Review
Fujifilm 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
I have tested the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 and XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6. Out of the two, the 50-140mm suits my shooting style more so than the 100-400mm. An upcoming XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 sounds appealing and may hit a sweet spot for many photographers.
You may not need the fast aperture f/2.8 performance or the reach to shoot birds in flight. Size-wise I found the XF 100-400mm too big and cumbersome. The XF 70-300mm should be more manageable as an all-around telephoto option.
Update:
I have now been able to test the XF 70-300mm and you can read my review here:
Fujifilm 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
I hope to be able to test all the new lenses at some point. Stay tuned. Until then, what do think of these additions to the X-Series lineup, and is anything missing?
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